Elgin Lodge resident Elli Pemoller celebrated her 100th birthday at the Lodge, October 13. She turns 100 October 15.

Hub Staff

The long life of Elgin Lodge resident Elli Pemoller was celebrated with cake, family and friends who came together to wish Pemoller a happy 100th birthday October 13 at the senior's residence.

Pemoller, who was born in Germany October 15, 1918, received well wishes from federal and provincial dignitaries including Huron-Bruce MPP and Education Minister Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, Premier Doug Ford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and she even received a letter from the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.

Pemoller greeted family and friends, some of whom had travelled from Ottawa and as far away as Germany to be part of the celebration.

Her daughter, Heidi Summerton who lives in nearby Allenford, said Pemoller moved with her husband Eric and young family to Canada from Hambert in 1953 to have a better life after living through WW2 in Germany. In Canada the family lived in Montreal and Pemoller eventually followed her children to Ontario after the passing of her husband. “She actually helped in a seniors home until she was 87,” said Summerton, who joked that some of the people in the seniors home were younger than she was at the time.

The 100 year old is a very active and social resident as could be seen by the many well wishers at the party. She still exercises three to four times a week and takes part in the local entertainment that is put on by Elgin Lodge.

The birthday celebration was organized by Elli's daughters, Heidi Summerton (left) of Allenford and Antje Slessor (right) of Bobcaygeon, and had a few surprise guests.

Adorning a celebratory boutonniere, Elli Pemoller greeted friends as she entered her party October 13.

Daughters Antje Slessor (left) and Heidi Summerton (right) were joined by lifelong friends of Elli's, Iise Matthiessen of Germany and Joanne Booth of Ottawa, for her 100th birthday celebration at Elgin Lodge October 13.

In honour of her 100th birthday, well wishes had been received from dignitaries such as Huron-Bruce MPP and Education Minister Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A letter from German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also on display.